Manchester United’s activity within the transfer market over recent years has been questionable to say the least, wasting a whole host of money in the process.
Erik ten Hag’s tenure was arguably one of the worst for the club, with the hierarchy providing the Dutchman with over £600m worth of funds to improve the first-team squad.
However, his highest finish in the Premier League at Old Trafford was third place, but ultimately his additions failed to make the desired impact – which led to his dismissal in October last year.
The Red Devils’ failures in the transfer market have made Ruben Amorim’s task in the role a tad harder, having to work with the players already at the club – which has seen him notch a measly 40% win rate.
That could all be about to change this summer, with the hierarchy already backing the new boss, whilst also preparing other offers for additional signings before the transfer deadline.
Man Utd targeting Bruno Fernandes midfield partner
The midfield department is next on the agenda for United, with Fermin Lopez one of the players in their sights, according to some of the latest updates on the 22-year-old’s future.
It’s been reported that the Red Devils have already made a £69m offer for the Barcelona star, with the player himself keen on a switch to the Premier League this summer.
However, he’s not the only player currently being considered by the club’s hierarchy, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba also firmly in their sights, according to David Ornstein.
Speaking on the Sports Agenda podcast, the journalist claimed that the 21-year-old is now Amorim’s top target this summer, after securing a move for Benjamin Sesko last week.
He also confirmed that talks have already been held with the players over a switch to Old Trafford, but it could prove to be a mammoth addition, given his current £100m asking price.
Why United’s latest target will be the best signing since Bruno
Despite United struggling over recent years, Bruno Fernandes has been the club’s captain and still managed to provide some incredible numbers in the process.
He registered a total of 37 combined goals and assists last season, helping the Red Devils reach the Europa League final and undoubtedly preventing the side from finishing further down the table.
However, other big-money additions haven’t been as successful, with Rasmus Hojlund unable to make the desired impact after his £72m move from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023.
The Dane has only scored 26 times in his 95 outings to date, subsequently being strongly linked with a cut-price departure to join Italian giants AC Milan this window.
Undoubtedly, there will be hope that some of the big-money additions from the current summer will have more of a positive impact – with Baleba potentially falling into that category.
The Cameroonian international has all the tools to be the perfect ball-winner at the heart of the squad, that’s if he can replicate his stats from the recent campaign at the AMEX.
Baleba, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, managed to win 2.7 tackles per 90 and make 1.6 interceptions per 90 last season via FBref.
Games played
34
Goals & assists
4
Pass accuracy
87%
Progressive passes
4.1
Tackles made
2.7
Interceptions made
1.6
Blocks made
1.6
Clearances made
1.5
Take-on success
58%
Such numbers could see him add the needed presence in the middle of the park, but he has also showcased he has the tools to provide others with chances around him.
He completed 87% of the passes he attempted in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, 4.1 of which per 90 were progressive – able to give the new additions in the final third the opportunity to succeed.
As seen by the recent reports, it’s clear that the staff behind the scenes rate him highly, subsequently making him the next key target in their overhaul of the squad.
If Baleba can have the success Bruno has endured since his own big-money move to Old Trafford, it would be a deal worth every penny despite the massive transfer fee.